Best Essential Oils for Lung Congestion

Although quite common, allergies, colds, and many other respiratory conditions are a nuisance. Most people will catch a cold during fall and winter, while others do during spring and summer when environmental allergens are almost everywhere. The result of this can either be congestion, sore throat, sneezing, a general feeling of fatigue, or even worse, a hacking cough. You however do not necessarily have to take over-the-counter medication to treat common colds or lung congestion; some essential oils may come in handy in such situations.

The respiratory system holds some of the most vital functions of the body. A decreased function of the same can have severe effects on your overall health. For this reason, it’s advisable to ensure respiratory functions aren’t affected in any way. Using natural home remedies, and especially essential oils can help manage most minor problems. Aromatherapy comes quite in handy when treating respiratory conditions. Read below for some of the best essential oils for lung congestion.

Using Essential Oils to Treat Respiratory Conditions

Commonly used in aromatherapy, essential oils work in two different ways: they attack and kill germs directly (antiviral and antibacterial) causing relief, or they stimulate the immune system to fight off any disease-causing microbes before they can do any harm. Some essential oils are however more effective in this than others. Essential oils can be used to help avoid resistance commonly experienced with using antibiotics. These oils contain properties capable of destroying/killing even the most resistant strains of microbes selectively.

Some of the common respiratory infections that respond positively to essential oils include lung, throat, and sinus problems.

Essential oils for catarrh and coughs (expectorant) include:

While essential oils are generally safe, some people may create resistance over some of the compounds in these oils. While the resistance may be negligible, combining two or more of these essential oils may help eliminate the resistance. For this reason, it would be advisable to combine at least two essential oils with similar capabilities reduces any risk involved, and also helps kill bacteria efficiently.

You can use essential oils for aromatherapy, and especially if suffering from insomnia, stress, and other respiratory conditions. Aromatherapy helps the mind relax by creating a serene environment while at the same time regulating hormone concentrations in the same. Lemon, Palo Santo, and frankincense essential oils are particularly useful in aromatherapy. You can also use these oil in your bathing water for additional benefits. According to Dr. Daniel Penoel, the key to containing most acute stages of disease is by using natural treatments.

Methods of Application:

1. Vaporizer: This method comes particularly in handy when using on a sick child. Using a good quality humidifier, add at ten drops of the essential oil to warm water, then let it run overnight. Be careful when using some essential oils with a humidifier.

2. Steam Inhalation: Add three drops of the chosen essential oils to a bowl of warm water, then inhale the mist produced for at least 10 minutes. This should help ease chest pains, colds, and blocked sinuses. For the best results, cover your head with a towel with your eyes closed. Asthmatics should be careful when using this method.

5. Aromatherapy: This is recommended for treating respiratory conditions. Simply open your choice of essential oil for respiratory health and inhale it in 5-8 long breaths, repeat this process 2-3 times a day.